The "Map Across Time" is a fairy tale of the finest kind- full of adventure, intrigue and don't forget to throw in a little time travel! "Map Across time" is C.S. Lakin's second offering in her "Gates of Heaven series". Her first being "The Wolf of Tebron". Those who have read the first book will appreciate a lot of the background given in this book on the history of how the town of Tebron came to be, but you really can enjoy" The Map Across time" without having read "The Wolf of Tebron".

The Map across Time is a truly intricate tale about 2 twins-Aletha and Adin, prince and princess of Sherbourne with many sad predicaments in their kingdom. A dying Queen mother, a completely distracted and greed driven King father, and a dreadful curse that is taking over the kingdom in destructive and all encompassing ways. Adin needs to take a trek across time and return to the past to try and correct mistakes made there, in order to lift the curse that is systematically destroying the Kingdom. Aletha's bond to her twin brother is strong and she finds a way to follow him into the past to help lift the curse. Along the way there are many that help them and a talking pig named Winston was one of my favorites.

There are many great proverbs and scripture woven into the story in a really delightful way. The author also used the Old language or law'az, better known as the author puts it as "a liberal derivation of ancient Hebrew". As a tip to the reader, there is a glossary in the back to help with defintions- I just kept a bookmark there for easy reference, but most of the time the context would help you figure out what the word meant.

Yes, I was a lover of Fairy tales as a little girl and this grown up version is just as satisfying as the tales of old. It truly is a wonderful read and I am adding C. S. Lakin to my favorite author's list. Loved it!

I greatly enjoyed Map Across Time. Having read The Wolf of Tebron, I was looking forward to the next book with much anticipation! I loved how Ms. Lakin tied the two stories together, though loosely, through shared history in the same world. The time-travel mechanism was fascinating. The characters were interesting and well-developed. I disagree with the Publishers Weekly review stating that they were flat. If that is a characteristic of fairy tale characters, then I don't see why it should be listed as a criticism of this work. In any case, I identified with the characters in their flaws, fears, challenges, and triumphs. The battle between good and evil was well personified through human and non-human characters, places, and events. I would love to read more about these characters' lives, as well as any other fantasy that Ms. Lakin chooses to write. I think I'll have to dive into some of her writing in other genres since I have enjoyed these so well.

As a reference point, I enjoy Christian fiction such as C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Karen Hancock, Francine Rivers, Denise Hunter, and Frank Peretti. If you, too, like to read these authors, I believe you will enjoy The Map Across Time!

I found this story absolutely enchanting! The author did an amazing job of painting the picture of Sherbourne in its fullest. The characters quickly endeared themselves to me. I found myself crying at Adin's pain and wanted to hold him in my arms and tell him everything would be alright. Aletha has such a strength of character that made you love her as well. The supporting characters of Reya, Jered, and O'lam added laughter and wisdom to the story.

It is a story of good versus evil, but it is definitely a fresh tale with some very cool twists. Another nice thing with this story is it is very entertaining for adults, but I think children will enjoy the story as well. The antagonist is very apparent and evil but I don't think he would cause nightmares for younger children. My twelve year old was going to read it until he realized it was not on the Accelerated Reading List and he could get points for reading. I think this summer he'll read it.

If you enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia you will enjoy this story. This story is for anyone who wants to escape to another world and be lost in its beauty and wonder and learn how they recapture their freedom.

Welcome to the fairytale land of Sherbourne where evil lurks in the shadows and talking pigs are eloquent speakers. Adin and Aletha, teenage brother and sister, are saying a final farewell to their dying mother. Sadly, it would seem their kingdom will share their mother's fate. With the queen of Sherbourne on her deathbed and the king's mind being manipulated, the survival of Sherbourne falls into the hands of Adin and Aletha. With a magical map as their guide, the two will encounter another time-one from their kingdom's past.

The keys of Sherbourne's plague can be undone if only the two will hold fast to the ancient truths they've learned from Reya, their beloved friend. In this epic of unfailing love, readers will view the world through the eyes of the innocent. The Map Across Time is a story able to stand the test of time. Its themes run deeply through the body of work, drawing on the ever-present ideals of worth beyond measure, good over evil, and love that is stronger than death.

Adin's character was most intriguing as he navigated the rocky road of being less than perfect. Crippled, and a disgust to his father, Adin harbors no ill feelings toward the king who has rejected him. Strong biblical messages are on the page, but they are handled with both grace and elegance. Though it's considered an adult novel, I think younger audiences will enjoy Adin and Aletha's journey. The Map Across Time is told with a youthful voice able to capture young readers.

Fairy tales can come true_it can happen to you_if you're young at heart . . .

Oh, so fun to be young at heart again and plunge into a saga from "once upon a time," where characters can follow magical maps, put their feet into glowing impressions, travel back and forth in time, and take advice from talking pigs. Equally enjoyable is relating to the plot as the characters learn, grow, and make personal sacrifices so others can become what they were created to beâ€”sort of like us, right? Lakin weaves a well-plotted, stand-alone tale of royal intrigue and peasant wisdom. Allusions to biblical stories and paraphrased proverbs add depth and richness to her stated theme: that those who feel they are insignificant and unworthy have merit and serve heaven's purpose, even if that purpose is hidden.

Even if you don't consider yourself a fan or reader of fantasy (I am in that group), you will not regret reading this captivating, heart-gripping story. If you are a home-school family, this book is a must for your pre-teen-and-up students. Lakin includes a theme-centered discussion guide that refers readers to relevant biblical stories and Scripture references. I can't imagine a better introduction to learning how to engage a Christian worldview into the reading of literature.

The Map Across Time will be released in March of 2011 by Living Ink Publishers. Pre-ordering is available.